RALEIGH -- Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin today announced the arrest
of John Terry Leavelle, 30, 309 Skills Heights, Thomasville. According to Department investigators, between
February 2008 and July of this year, Leavelle visited 30 doctors for prescription oxycodone and oxymorphone.
According to investigators, Leavelle intentionally withheld from practitioners the fact that other doctors were
also prescribing the same medications for the same medical condition. Leavelle filled the 100 prescriptions at
30 Davidson County pharmacies and submitted claims to United Healthcare Group for some of the fraudulent
prescriptions.

Leavelle is charged with insurance fraud and obtaining controlled substances by
withholding information from a physician. He was taken to the Lexington Police Department and placed under a
$2,000 secured bond. This investigation began when a Davidson County practitioner contacted the Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) about Leavelle. The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation contacted the Department's Criminal
Investigations Division to assist in the insurance fraud aspect of the case.

The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn law enforcement officers
dedicated to investigating claims of insurance fraud. In 2008, these investigators saw more than
453 cases successfully closed with more than $5.8 million in restitution and recoveries,
60 criminal convictions and 130 arrests.

An estimated 10 cents of every dollar paid in premiums goes toward the
payment of fraudulent claims. To report suspected fraud, contact the Department of
Insurance Investigations Division at (919) 807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous.
Information is also available at the
NC-DOI Web site.